dv2500t/dv6500t/dv9500t Current/ Prospective Owners Lounge

It's a free upgrade... why wouldn't you go for it? It doesn't take a performance hit going to Lightscribe from what I remember of the specs of each.

 

I am looking into buying the dv2500t. I have found two reviews, one here on NotebookReview;

http://www.notebookreview.com/default.asp?newsID=3721&review=HP+dv2500t

and another here

http://computershopper.com/reviews/hp_pavilion_dv2500t_laptop_review

The review here on notebookreview says that battery life with the standard 6 cell battery is quite good while the computer shopper review says that even with the 12 cell battery the 2500 performs poorly, (even poorer than the 6 cell as reported in notebookreview).

Now that I am thoroughly confused is there someone out there that can arbitrate this discussion; What is the experience of current owners?

Secondly, I am thinking of getting the 2500 with the "High Capacity" 6 cell but I haven't found any physical data on it:

Does the high capacity 6 cell battery fit into the same space as the standard 6 cell?

Does it weigh the same as the standard 6 cell battery? ie, .73 lbs.

Thanks for your help

 

Hey all. I just bought a dv6500t:
T7300
2GB
80GB SATA HDD
nVidia 8400M GS
6-Cell HiCap
I hope to install Vista and XP (dual-boot) both clean installs. I'll post some more info when it arrives, wish me luck, and thanks contributors for the info on the forums.

 

the high capacity 6cell has i think 13% more juice.

i doubt the weight would really make a difference, even if there was a difference you woudln't feel it - and it still fits like a normal 6cell.

i was kind of wondering about the battery life myself.
i heard vista uses more juice, but then i've also heard that vista has better battery saving capabilities.

anybody out there get a dv2500 with the nvidia card? i want to confirm the # of usb ports, its making me mad(as in crazy), even though i have a usb hub

 

computer shopper review says that he hasn't even used the 12 cell battery yet...read it carefully.

the difference between the two battery reviews is one is using "power saving" mode while the other one is doing a dvd drain test, which def uses a lot more power than a laptop on "power saving"

it sounds like you get about 2-3hours with power save mode (screen dimmed etc.) and use of light applications (word, internet, chatting)

 

I did read it carefully. Its the notebookreview reviewer that hadn't used the 12 cell yet.

I understand that the notebook reviewer was just using his machine normally and the computer shopper reviewer was running a drain test but both offered value judgments, one said good, the other said bad. The one who said bad was unhappy enough to note in the top level summary. I assume that this means that in comparison to other machines tested for battery life, the dv2500t performed poorly.

Is anyone out there actually using a dv2500t and are you happy with the battery-life, whatever battery you are using? Is there a real battery-life issue with these machines?

 

I have a DV2500T with the 12 cell battery and just fine. Last a long time, esp. if you use power mgmt. Even without it (I run full blast, even on batteries) and it's great.

 

i think the reviewer was "disappointed" with the battery life when compared to other similar size laptops. usually "thin and light" laptops go for a long time

dell d630, the new ibm thinkpad r61 i think? those all have crazy battery life like way past 3hours

thats probably why the reviewer didn't like the battery performance. personally, as long as the 6cell battery goes for 2hours+ with normal usage, its pretty normal

 

I have an issue with my dv6500t. When I use the "HP Recommended" Power Plan in Vista, my cpu seems to stay at 2ghz alot even when i'm just doing some light surfing and chatting not even switching web pages. As a result the fan keeps going on and off. This is while the laptop is plugged in. Is there a reason the laptop stays at a high speed when i'm not doing much? I notice that if I use the Power Saver plan, my cpu stays at 0.8ghz alot rarely going above that even when i need it.

 

Just got my dv2500... I can now see why the Windows Experience rating is so low for the graphics. They're in bad need of a driver upgrade by nVidia. You can't even run a XviD movie without it reverting back to the basic theme instead of Aero.

Gameplay-wise it's not too bad. If you enable more than 2X AA in a game like Half-Life 2 (it only supports up to 4X) you'll take a MAJOR hit, though. But overall, not too bad... but new divers would help.

 

Question regarding the S/PDIF connection...

I have a dv9000t (the previous-gen) and it has two speaker ports in front, one of which doubles as an S/PDIF output (optical audio). The new dv9500t that I just got today has two speaker ports, but there is no "S/PDIF" stencil on the front, and from what I can see, they both appear to be just analog audio ports...

I absolutely need S/PDIF, and nowhere on the web-site was an option listed to ensure that I got that port...it simply states on the main dv9500t page that the two ports are there, and one doubles as an S/PDIF port.

I'm worried that I'm screwed - that the two ports are only analog. Has anyone used S/PDIF on the dv9500t that didn't get the TV-Tuner option (I didn't)? I would love confirmation.

Rgds,

jwehman

 

If you compare the computer shopper review with it's own review for another laptop referenced in the 2500t review, the Gateway E-265m, you find something a little fishy. The DV2500t is characterized as having disappointing battery life, while the Gateway is characterized as having very good battery life. The difference in the DVD drain test (seems to be basically just playing a movie) for the two? Just over 10 minutes - 2:50 vs a little over 3 hours. Hmmmmmm...

I too am very interested in the DV2500t and I'm not seeing anything there to dissuade me.

 

I think what the computershopper reviewer was reacting to was that he had the oversize 12 cell battery and expected to get a lot better battery life than "typical" 6 cells. I guess typical is about 2:00 to 2:30 hours. If the computer shopper reviewer is right then the standard 6 cell would get only 1:30 hours or less. But I haven't read any real complaints about 6 cell battery life in the 2500 so I am guessing that the computer shopper either did something wrong or has a problem computer.

 

Just as I was to order my custom-to-order dv6500t, I get thrown a big curveball. I was checking around some of the big-box retailers to see what was available in terms of pre-configured notebooks, and here comes the HP dv6575us. This system is loaded, has everything I want except no bluetooth. Plus, it has the TV tuner.

Here's the problem: I want to buy through Costco and get the 90-day Satisfaction Guarantee return policy plus the extra year they give for warranty. When I configure it to my liking, it comes in around $1500 (no TV tuner, yes bluetooth). Check out what the dv6575 offers and the price:

Product Name dv6575us
Product Number GA404UA#ABA
Microprocessor 2.00 GHz Intel® Centrino® Duo processor technology featuring Intel® Core ™ 2 Duo processor T7300
Microprocessor Cache 4 MB L2 Cache
Memory 2048 MB 667MHz DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
Memory Max 2048 MB max supported
Video Graphics NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
Video Memory Up to 895 MB total graphics memory (128 MB dedicated)
Hard Drive 200 GB (4200 RPM) Hard Drive (SATA)
Multimedia Drive LightScribe Super Multi 8X DVD±R/RW with Double Layer Support
Display 15.4" WXGA High-Definition BrightView Widescreen (1280 x 800) Display
Fax/Modem High speed 56k modem
Network Card Integrated 10/100/1000 Gigabit Ethernet LAN (RJ-45 connector)
Wireless Connectivity Intel® PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection
Multimedia Features HP Imprint finish, HP Pavilion Webcam & Mic, & Fingerprint reader
Sound Altec Lansing
Keyboard 101-key compatible & 2 Quick Launch Buttons-HP Quick Play Menu and DVD
Pointing Device Touch Pad with On/Off button and dedicated vertical scroll Up/Down pad
PC Card Slots

* 1 ExpressCard/54 Slot (also supports ExpressCard/34)

External Ports:
* 5-in-1 integrated Digital Media Reader for Secure Digital cards, MultiMedia cards, Memory Stick, Memory Stick Pro, or xD Picture cards
* 3 Universal Serial Bus (USB) 2.0
* 2 Headphone out
* 1 microphone-in
* 1 VGA (15-pin)
* 1 TV-Out (S-video)
* 1 RJ-11 (modem)
* 1 RJ -45 (LAN)
* 1 notebook expansion port 3
* 1 IEEE 1394 Firewire (4-pin)
* 1 Consumer IR

Dimensions 14.05" (L) X 10.12" (W) X 1" (MIN H)/1.69" (MAX H)
Weight: 6.14 lbs
Security:
* Kensington® MicroSaver lock slot
* Power-on password
* Accepts 3rd party security lock devices

Power:
* 90W AC Adapter
* 6-Cell Lithium-Ion battery

What's In The Box:
Mobile Stereo Earbud Headphones (1 pair)
HP Mobile Remote Control
HP Expresscard Hybrid ATSC/NTSC TV Tuner w/Remote & Receiver for Windows Vista

Price? Circuit City: $1349 (after $50 rebate)
Amazon: $1299 (after $100 rebate)

This is the ultimate kid-in-a-candy-store situation for me. Some of you may just say "Make a decision and move on". If it were that easy, we would not be here discussing and learning from each other. I want to be able to live with this notebook for a minimum of three years.

Given the perks of doing business with Costco (90-day return policy, extra year warranty, USA-based tech support), but also looking at those killer specs from the dv6575us and the great pricing, which would you choose?

Comments appreciated.

 

i can play xvid just fine with aero using the intel x3100. Make sure you use wmp not the divx player itself.

 

But he praised the Gateway for about 10 minutes more battery life and also using a 12-cell battery. Go figure.

 

I dont know if i would trust computershopper for a review.

 

I was using Media Player Classic... not a very intense program. Like I said, the drivers need work.

 

ayepecks can you enlighten us about the average battery usage with normal usage on the 2500?
(if you could specify if you have 6cell, 6cell+, 12cell)

i'm waiting on CNET to do a review =(

thanks

 

I have the extended 6 cell (or whatever it's called). Last night I unplugged it to help my dad out with something and after about an hour (roughly), I still had 60% left. I wasn't using any applications other than the internet (wireless, obviously), though. So I say it'd probably be 2 hours, 30 minutes with the extended battery (I have the 8400), give or take a little bit. Obviously if you're doing more intense things, however, it'll be much less.

Edit: I was using Aero as the theme, too.

 

this doesn't really belong in this forum - but any of you guys getting rid of vista and installing xp? I heard vista was atrocious in terms of compatibility

 

Atrocious is a vast overstatement. I've had one game not work in Vista (that's 6 years old, and it's a graphics driver issue problem by nVidia), and other than that, nothing. All my programs worked, and all the devices I've installed have had drivers available.

 

Anybody know what version of HDMI output is on the 9500?

 

I guarantee you its not 1.3. Don't we all wish.

 

dv2500 < dell 1420

they have an insane deal with $350 once you hit $1500

choices choices...

 

I am looking for the best deal with the dv6500t:

– Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit)
– Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo T7300 (2.0GHz/4MB L2Cache)
– 15.4" WXGA BrightView Widescreen (1280x800)
– 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)
– 383MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS
– HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Webcam + Microphone
– Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network w/Bluetooth
– 160GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive
– FREE Upgrade - LightScribe DVD+/-RW w/Double Layer
– No TV Tuner w/remote control
– 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery
– Microsoft(R) Works 8.0 <========================== if i could select NONE for this option...
– HP Home & Home Office Store in-box envelope

 

does anyone know where to obtain
Vista/XP drivers for the Nvidia 8400MGS?
they're not on the HP site

 

Yes, the best link so far to the Nvidia drivers is right here.
http://www.driverheaven.net/windows.../134673-forceware-165-01-xp-english-only.html
My site has a detailed walk thru of converting to XP.
XP on DV6500T

That's the good news in all of this. With the help of DocAngle, Rahulk, and Hasteveha, I wrote down the exact steps and put them up on my web site. Much thanks to them for the help. The thread we used for putting XP on the DV6500 series is this one here.
http://forum.notebookreview.com/showthread.php?t=125539

 

cool thanks, but what about forceware for Vista that supports the 8400m GS?

 

Battery life for DV2500T:

12 Cell.

From 100% charge...put in to sleep mode...17 hours later, I woke it and had 92% juice.

Over 200 hours standby...plenty for me.

 

Yah standby time is real nice on even my dv6500t although I dont think its as good at what you're seeing.

 

OK, I've spent a little time tweaking most of my Source game settings to get the maximum effect, and I've come to the conclusion that the following are the best levels (best performance while looking the best) to play the games in:

Native Resolution (1280 x 800)
Model detail: High
Texture detail: High
Shader detail: High
Water detail: Simple reflections
Shadow detail: High
Antialiasing mode: 2X
Filtering mode: Anisotropic 8X
High Dynamic Range: Bloom (if available)

In Half-Life 2 and Episode One, I was getting a smooth 25 FPS. In Half-Life 2: CTF, Deathmatch, and Counter-Strike: Source, I was getting around 35 (in those games I changed Filtering to AS 4X), which is pretty darn good.

My laptop is a dv2500, 2GHz (highest option available), 2GB RAM (highest option available) and the 8400GS.

I should also note I have some of the textures from the fake factory installed (the high-resolution textures), so you guys should get slightly better frame rates than me in Half-Life 2 and Episode One if you use the same settings.

 

on the special offers & deals box, it has this added:
# Free upgrade to 160GB Hard Drive
# Free upgrade to LightScribe from super multi drive
# 50% off Discrete Graphics
# $30 off TV Tuner
# 50 free prints and a free mousepad from Snapfish

but theyre not showing up on the options

 

For those of you still shopping (I've made my choice, ordering next week), here are my final pricing observations, for those of you looking to save some money:

Costco.com computer pricing has gone back down, below buying via HP-direct. I'll save about $45 when it comes time to pay for my loaded dv6500t -- plus I get the killer added bonuses of one year extra manufacturer's warranty (two years total) and the still-hard-to-believe 90-day Satisfaction Guaranty.

For those of you interested in the 6500 series -- As I mentioned above, you may want to check out the pre-configured dv6575us. If you want loaded, this is it. 200 GB Hard Drive, 2 GB RAM (not expandable), Wireless-N wi-fi, Webcam/microphone/fingerprint reader.... even the TV tuner. The only thing it does not seem to have is Bluetooth. So, if you're not a Costco member and don't want to join, the dv6575us looks fantastic, at least in terms of hardware. Last I checked, Amazon: $1299 (after $100 rebate) and Circuit City: $1349 (after $50 rebate.

For those of you not aware, the 200 GB option on these notebooks offers a slower hard drive (4200 RPM) than a smaller drive (5400 RPM). I've been told that the typical user will not notice any appreciable difference in reading & writing speeds. If anyone else here can confirm or refute this information, please chime in.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

 

I got the dv6575us from Circuit City online.

When I ordered it I didn't realize the hard drive was 4200rpm until the day before it was delivered. I was worried, but honestly it isn't THAT bad now that I'm using it. I'm going to throw a 5400 or 7200rpm in their anyways though... just so I know I'm getting everything I can out of the laptop.

 

Considering a hard drive is one of the slowest components in a laptop, I believe it will impact things like booting windows. However if you just use standby most of the time and arent really doing much I/O you should be fine. However there are plenty of users here asking why HP doesnt offer a 7200rpm drive. I hear windows boots much quicker with that one.

 

i just ordered dv2500t and I wanted to confirm it does indeed have spdif out?

 

Hey Ayepecks--thanks for that info! Is that on Vista or XP?

I plan to run at lower settings and a stripped OS (150MB) and shell (200KB), absolutely MINIMALIST to get as much FPS as I can.

 

Does anyone know what speed RAM they put in the DV2500T?

 

The RAM is 667 MHz (PC5300)

 

It's on Vista.

 

Shouldn't the RAM match the speed of the FSB for best performance (800MHz)?

 

It would be nice, but since the chipset doesn't run the RAM that fast, it's a moot point. In reality, it probably wouldn't make that big of a difference. Hard drives are really where the bottlenecks are.

 

At some point in my notebook research, whether here or on another site, someone claimed that the reason they offer only slower drives - when you go to 200 GB on a portable notebook (perhaps not the 17 inchers) - has to do with the issue of overheating. I can't source this info, just something I read. Anyone have the answer to this?

 

Why am I getting a low Windows Experience score , which relates to my Nvedia 8400m card bringing my score down. I thought this GPU was supposed to bring the score up. Here are my stats? Anyone else?

DV6500T @2.0ghz, 2gb RAM, Nvidia 8400m

results:
Processor = 4.9
Memory = 4.8
Graphics = 3.1 WTF?
Gaming graphics = 4.9
Primary HD = 4.9

= 3.1 base score

 

Cuz the nvidia drivers suck at the moment. Some people are even trying to sue nvidia about it.

 

Wow Ayepecks. OK I'm going to benchmark on my XP setup and post results here. I want to see what this 8400M GS can do, since no sites have detailed reviews of it in CSS.

 

dont believe the windows experience score. I get a 3.4 on my x3100 but you'd kill me in any decent game....if you will be gaming might as well go to xp...

 

The Windows Experience goes off of your lowest subscore. The nVidia drivers aren't too good at the moment (not bad mind you, but they need improving). When they're improved you'll see that score bump up, most likely.

 

I'm planning to get a dv9500t with:

Core 2 Duo T7300 2.0 GHz
2 GB RAM
8600M GS 128 MB

That and some other things.

The only thing I'm concerned about is the graphic card. Is the card good enough? And for how long?


I'll probably get that around mid-August, unless a better ASUS or Dell deal comes along.